sport news Former boxing world champion Heather Hardy retires after suffering brain ... trends now
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Former boxing world champion Heather Hardy has announced her retirement in an emotional post on social media after suffering brain damage.
Hardy, who reigned as WBO female featherweight champion from October 2018 to September 2019, was initially diagnosed with concussion after complaining of blurred vision following her defeat to undisputed queen Amanda Serrano in August.
However, the 42-year-old's eyesight soon worsened when she entered training camp for her next bout on May 11, leaving her unable to 'see s**t' for two days, while she also lost a significant amount of weight and struggled sleeping.
A subsequent doctor appointment eventually revealed she has sustained brain damage after accumulating too many concussions during her 12-year career - which also saw her briefly switch over to MMA - meaning she would risk going blind by taking any further punishment.
As a result, not only is her scheduled bare-knuckle bout against Christine Ferea this month off, but Hardy is bowing out from combat-sports altogether.
Former boxing world champion Heather Hardy has announced her retirement after suffering brain damage
Hardy was initially diagnosed with concussion after her defeat to Amanda Serrano in August
The 42-year-old's eyesight quickly worsened before she was diagnosed with brain damage, forcing her to call time on her 12-year career
'My fight for May 11 is off,' she wrote on Instagram alongside a video which shows her jumping up in the air.
'After my fight last summer with Amanda, my vision remained blurred for a few days. I went for an MRI and to get my eyes checked while I was still in TX and it was diagnosed the after effects of a concussion. 6-8 months i should be fine. So basically I needed a fight, and it never got better.
'My